Give thanks! Main Street open in Rochester

Wednesday opening comes two days earlier than anticipated

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, Main Street in Downtown Rochester will reopen all five lanes of traffic at 5:00 pm today. This opening is two days earlier than expected and marks the first time that all lanes will be open since the beginning of the Main Street Makeover began in April.

"This is a historic day for the City of Rochester, it marks the full re-opening of Main Street. I'd like to first and foremost thank all of the businesses, residents and visitors for your support of our community during this massive project." stated Jaymes Vettraino, Rochester City Manager.

The reopening of Main Street also coincides with the 40th Anniversary celebration of Lagniappe on Monday, November 26. This event is Rochester's official start of the holiday shopping season and the kick-off for the 7th Annual Big, Bright Light Show.

"We are eager to showcase our new downtown," explained Kristi Trevarrow, DDA Executive Director. "The new streetscape is incredible and the light show will provide the perfect backdrop for people to enjoy the downtown experience!"

The Main Street Makeover is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Rochester and the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The purpose of the project is to reconstruct Main Street from the Clinton River Bridge to the Paint Creek Bridge, improve water service to the area and to add streetscape improvements to enhance the overall downtown experience.